South Cave at Northern Xiangtangshan

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Like the North Cave, the South Cave was commissioned by the Northern Qi court, but it presents a different plan. Lacking a central pillar, it is an open cubical chamber with three altars on the back and side walls. Each altar originally included seven figures arranged symmetrically: a seated Buddha in the center, flanked by three pairs of standing deities. Images of incense burners, lions, and deities appear on the altar bases. Rows of small seated Buddhas occupy the upper niches and cave walls. The ceiling features a large carved lotus.